A University of Newcastle researcher working to identify the genetic make-up of pancreatic cancer says the findings suggest a "one size fits all" approach to treatment will have to change.

The research, by an international team which sequenced the genomes of 100 pancreatic tumours, has been published in the scientific journal, 'Nature'.

Newcastle Uni's Doctor Chris Scarlett says they found that pancreatic cancer is not just one disease, but many.

He says the landmark findings will have significant implications for how pancreatic cancer treatments may change in future.

"We've unequivocally shown that it seems to be different in pretty much every individual, which is frightening in one way," he said.

"But it's certainly something we can investigate further to try to more personalise or individualise treatment for these patients."

Dr Scarlett says it is immensely rewarding to be part of the groundbreaking project.

"This is only the tip of the iceberg, essentially," he said.

"This is going to lead off into multiple, exciting and interesting and important studies to really understand what's going on with this horrible disease, and hopefully give us better strategies to improve our treatment options."